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National Fire Plan Success Story

Warm Springs Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project
Ketchum Ranger District, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
2007

The Warm Springs Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project is located on the Ketchum Ranger District, Sawtooth National Forest. The project area consists of 104 acres of Douglas-fir forest and is located within two miles of Ketchum, Idaho immediately adjacent to Lower Board Ranch, approximately 35 homes, the proposed Warm Springs Ranch and approximately 10 homes between the base of Warm Springs lifts and Warm Springs Ranch. Within 1/4 mile of the project boundary lays an additional 200 homes and the Sun Valley Ski Resort, both of which will benefit from the treatments.

Picture of pre-treatment condition of vegetation and fuels
Before treatment.

Picture of post-treatment vegetation conditions.
After treatment.

Picture of pre-treatment condition of vegetation and fuels
Before treatment.

Picture of post-treatment vegetation conditions.
After treatment.

The proposed action treated approximately 50 acres with hand treatment followed by slash disposal (piling and subsequent burning) to provide defensible space, reduce overall fuel loading, and modify the fuel profile within the project area. The project was accomplished with a variety of methods. These methods included timber sales to thin the overstory and the 50-acre service contract to complete the understory ladder fuel hand treatment and piling. Pile burning will occur in 2008.

Land use agreements were completed with three landowners to allow access to the work site. Due to topography and placement of private lands, portions of the project were limited to hand treatment. A timber sale is currently being completed in association with hand treatment which was completed in 2007. Significant efforts have been placed on this project and to date include: A signed Decision Memorandum approving both logging and hand treatment. The landowner of Warm Springs Ranch has invested in a bridge across Warm Springs Creek, partially to accommodate Forest Service access needs (cost to landowner approximately $500,000). Two other landowners signed land use agreements allowing for decking and loading on their 1/2- to 1-acre lots.

A portion of the project was completed in the fall of 2006. Less than one year later, the project was tested by the 48,000 acre Castle Rock Fire.  Conversations with hotshot crews indicate the treatment assisted in burn out operations due to the project's proximity to homes. No fire was observed within 100 feet of homes, at least partially due to the success of the project.

Other portions of the project were awarded during early summer 2007. Implementation did not begin until late October due to the proximity of the project to the Castle Rock Fire. Work was accomplished in one week.

Contact:  Matt Filbert, Ketchum Ranger District Fuels Specialist, mfilbert@fs.fed.us